Saturday, May 19, 2007

This could easily be a continuation of my recent article "Insomnia a Herbal Remedy" However as the title this time is Herbs for Insomnia I'll try and list as many as I know. Please as always if you have a medical problem consult a health care profesional before attempting self medication. Any drug can be both good and er well bad.

Herbs for Insomnia.

PASSION FLOWER eases anxiety-induced insomnia. Calming and can ease muscle spasms that can be very painful and keep you awake.

PEPPERMINT Used as a tea it may ease digestion a common cause of insomnia

RED CLOVER Used for years as a tonic. Very relaxing inducing sleep

ST. JOHN'S WORT Good for mild depression and anxiety. It improves the quality of sleep

SIBERIAN GINSENG Gives you a lift. Good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome makes this an excellent herb for insomnia

SPEARMINT Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.

THYME Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.

VALERIAN This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used as the package suggests, and it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the valium of the nineteenth century.

WOOD BETONY Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

CATNIP Yes, this is the herb you're cats love, the one that makes them go a bit crazy. But don't worry. For humans, catnip is relaxing and great for the digestion. It's often used in insomnia formulas and as a sleep promoting tea.. It can even be smoked to promote relaxation, but smoking it can cause severe headaches.

FLEECE FLOWER ROOT Treatment for deficient blood syndrome

GOTU KOLA Has a calming effect and also improves the circulation

HOELEN Another herb from the Orient. Hoelen is used in many Chinese Herbal Remedies for different maladies. It's noted for it's calming, soothing effect.

HOPS Hops, as a tea, is relaxing and calming. It's also relieves pain and aids digestion. It's not advised to take this herb, however, if you are depressed, as it is somewhat of a depressant.

JASMINE Best known as an aromatic oil. Put a few drops into the bath to help you relax. Used as a tea, it's a mild nerve sedative.

JUJUBE (DA T'SAO) Relieves nervous tension and apprehension

KAVA KAVA This member of the black pepper family helps give you a night of restful sleep. It's very relaxing. Long-term use isn't advised, however, as it can cause liver damage.

LAVENDER This is another herb known better as an aromatic oil. Use it in your nightly bath. Just a few drops will help to relax you and you'll sleep better. Taken in a tea, it helps to relieve anxiety.

LEMON BALM A tea made from lemon balm is great for the digestion and it relieves nervous tension. Try a cup at bedtime if you suffer from insomnia.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT This herb has nothing to do with the sugary blobs you roast over a campfire. It's a calming herb. Strong dosage might interfere with some of the drugs your doctor ordered from the pharmacy, so be sure you take them a few hours apart.

OAT FIBER Soothing to the digestion and to the nervous system

PASSION FLOWER Eases anxiety-induced insomnia

SAGE Eases depression and is good for the nerves

YOHIMBE is a popular herb originally from South Africa and known worldwide as an excellent aphrodisiac and sleep enhancer